Negative Sides of Prosthetics
Hugh Herr’s work on bionics seems to have changed our perception of disability for the better. However, there may be some negative aspects.
One of the problems of bionic prosthetic limbs is that they are still very expensive. While some fortunate people can enjoy the benefit of the advanced technology, only a few can afford the “luxury.” As of 2020, the robot-powered ankle-foot prosthesis cost 40,000–50,000 dollars. Not only that, special surgery would be needed to fit the prosthesis on properly.
Globally, there are billions of people who cannot access even basic health services. Even if bionics can help overcome disabilities, it threatens to widen the gap between rich and poor in terms of quality of life.
There is another issue to be considered. Bionic prosthetic limbs are able to enhance people’s performance, making them far superior to ordinary human beings. This means that the wearer becomes faster and stronger, free of the fatigue that limits biological limbs. A runner with two artificial legs was banned from the 2008 Summer Olympics, after a scientific study showed the legs gave him an unfair advantage. There are many concerns regarding how the evolution of bionics may impact our future society for better or for worse.
In general, Herr seems to be quite positive. He believes that his research will fundamentally redefine humanity. He predicts that by the end of this century, humans will evolve into a totally different form, drastically expanding their potential in many ways. He states: “Humans may ...extend their bodies into nonhuman structures, such as wings, controlling and feeling each wing movement within the nervous system. Humanity will take flight and soar.” Herr seems to be envisioning a future where humans evolve beyond what nature intends.
Herr’s vision of the future may not be so happy and bright, however. Herr himself admits that there is risk involved in the new technology. He says, “Whenever there’s new technology, there are ways to use that technology that are inappropriate and harmful to individuals in society.”
Take the case of genetic manipulation technology, for example. If parents can design their future babies, it may lead to the collapse of human diversity. Herr says, “Human beings tend to have a very narrow view of what intelligence is and what beauty is. And we should not be in the position of deciding how future humanity thinks and looks.”
Still, Herr is quite optimistic. He maintains that if we adhere to the values of individual freedom and human diversity, we should be able to conquer disability and disease in this century.
Many of today’s popular films—such as The Terminator , RoboCop and Iron Man —show bionic features being weaponized. Could these films be warning us about our future inventions or evolution? Or can we be as optimistic as Hugh Herr?
Hugh Herr’s work on bionics seems to have changed our perception of disability for the better. However, there may be some negative aspects.
One of the problems of bionic prosthetic limbs is that they are still very expensive. While some fortunate people can enjoy the benefit of the advanced technology, only a few can afford the “luxury.” As of 2020, the robot-powered ankle-foot prosthesis cost 40,000–50,000 dollars. Not only that, special surgery would be needed to fit the prosthesis on properly.
Globally, there are billions of people who cannot access even basic health services. Even if bionics can help overcome disabilities, it threatens to widen the gap between rich and poor in terms of quality of life.
There is another issue to be considered. Bionic prosthetic limbs are able to enhance people’s performance, making them far superior to ordinary human beings. This means that the wearer becomes faster and stronger, free of the fatigue that limits biological limbs. A runner with two artificial legs was banned from the 2008 Summer Olympics, after a scientific study showed the legs gave him an unfair advantage. There are many concerns regarding how the evolution of bionics may impact our future society for better or for worse.
In general, Herr seems to be quite positive. He believes that his research will fundamentally redefine humanity. He predicts that by the end of this century, humans will evolve into a totally different form, drastically expanding their potential in many ways. He states: “Humans may ...extend their bodies into nonhuman structures, such as wings, controlling and feeling each wing movement within the nervous system. Humanity will take flight and soar.” Herr seems to be envisioning a future where humans evolve beyond what nature intends.
Herr’s vision of the future may not be so happy and bright, however. Herr himself admits that there is risk involved in the new technology. He says, “Whenever there’s new technology, there are ways to use that technology that are inappropriate and harmful to individuals in society.”
Take the case of genetic manipulation technology, for example. If parents can design their future babies, it may lead to the collapse of human diversity. Herr says, “Human beings tend to have a very narrow view of what intelligence is and what beauty is. And we should not be in the position of deciding how future humanity thinks and looks.”
Still, Herr is quite optimistic. He maintains that if we adhere to the values of individual freedom and human diversity, we should be able to conquer disability and disease in this century.
Many of today’s popular films—such as The Terminator , RoboCop and Iron Man —show bionic features being weaponized. Could these films be warning us about our future inventions or evolution? Or can we be as optimistic as Hugh Herr?